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. 2010 Nov 4;10(13):4.
doi: 10.1167/10.13.4.

Perceptual learning, aging, and improved visual performance in early stages of visual processing

George J Andersen  1 , Rui Ni, Jeffrey D Bower, Takeo Watanabe
Affiliations

Perceptual learning, aging, and improved visual performance in early stages of visual processing

George J Andersen et al. J Vis. .

Abstract

In the present study, we examined whether perceptual learning methods can be used to improve performance of older individuals. Subjects performed a texture discrimination task in the peripheral visual field and a letter discrimination task in central vision. The SOA threshold was derived by presenting a mask following the stimuli. Older subjects (age greater than 65 years) were either trained for 2 days using near threshold stimuli (experimental group) or were trained with the task with supra-threshold stimuli (older control group). The experimental group showed significant improvement in the task as a result of training whereas the older control group showed no significant improvement. The improved performance post-training equaled that of a younger control group and was maintained for at least 3 months. The results of two additional experiments indicate that the improved performance was not due to changes in divided attention, that the effect of perceptual learning was location specific, and that the pattern of learning was similar to that of younger subjects. These results indicate that perceptual learning with near threshold training can be used to improve visual performance among older individuals, that the improvements are not the result of practice with the visual task, and that the improvements do not transfer to non-trained locations.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Stimuli used in PL behavioral study. Subjects were shown a fixation cross, followed by a stimulus array containing a central target (T/L) and a peripheral target (vertically oriented diagonal line pattern), followed by a mask.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Change in SOA thresholds as a result of training. Separate curves are plotted for older experimental (solid squares) and older control groups (solid triangles). Results for a younger control group (star) is included for comparison purposes.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Change in SOA thresholds and divided attention as a result of training.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Change in SOA thresholds as a result of training for younger (solid squares) and older (open squares) subjects.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Change in SOA thresholds for trained and untrained locations as a result of training. Top graph is for older subjects. Bottom graph is for younger subjects.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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